This follows Clare Co Council granting planning permission to Zest, the retail division of Shannon-based catering company EFG Catering Ltd, for a restaurant, cafe and food hall on the site of the former Avoca store in Bunratty, which was destroyed in a fire.

The company has stated that the €1.2m to €1.5m investment will result in 40 permanent jobs.

The council granted planning permission in spite of objections from local businesses, including from one of the best known pubs in the country, Durty Nellys.

The council in its planning report noted the third party objections to the plan.

The report stated: "However, the proposal is considered to be in keeping with the zoning objectives for the site and whilst there are a number of restaurants in the village at present, it is not considered to be the role of the Planning Authority to interfere with competition in this sector."